Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 23 March 2026:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports Makashule Gana of Rise Mzansi questioned the granting of three-thousand gambling licenses annually. He called for better oversight and regulation.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Reports DA MP and party spokesperson, Karabo Khakhau was forced by the DA to withdraw from the party’s leadership race. The DA allegedly refused to issue her a letter of good financial standing.

Secondly, the website writes the Northern Cape government is currently considering reducing liquor sales hours due to the problems with alcohol abuse that are leading to social issues.

And finally, there is news about the floods in Kenya, where 81 people have already died this month.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Writes EFF leader, Julius Malema, has rejected any chances of a merger with the MK Party.

And secondly, it is reported the Gauteng Department of Health will take steps to collect 4.6-billion-rand in arrears of patient fees.

# Sowetan:

Reports the rush to filling stations has begun, and consumers are buying large quantities of fuel for fear of price increases and shortages.

# And The Citizen:

Writes it has come to light that the properties of the councillors of Lesedi (which includes Heidelberg) are undervalued, resulting in them paying lower rates than the rest of the community.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Reports a double shock awaits motorists in April. Not only will the fuel tariffs come into effect, but the impact of the Middle East crisis on the oil price will also be processed. The Energy Regulator already approved the tariffs on 13 January.

And secondly, the paper writes the luxury vehicles and homes of the accused in the Free State asbestos fraud case have been finally declared forfeited by the High Court. This includes about six properties and a Mercedes-Benz of 32-million-rand in total.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald in Gqeberha:

Reports a shortage of nursing staff is hampering work at the Livingstone Hospital.

And writes the residents of Makhanda have begun protesting over the shortage of drinking water.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Writes Pietermaritzburg is currently having huge problems with the traffic light system in the city.

And reports Tongaat Hulett is currently counting down the days until April for the opening of its sugar mills. If this happens, the sequestration of the company is off the table.

And finally from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports Namibia has enough fuel for now, but officials and role players in the industry warn that rising world prices and panic buying could lead to a sharp fuel price increase in the coming weeks.

And secondly, the paper writes the ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has officially declared the Kharas region a foot-and-mouth disease control area.